In Islam, purity of the heart (qalb salīm) is at the core of faith and spiritual success. The heart is an important organ physically but spiritually as well, as it is the spiritual centre of intention, sincerity, love and moral consciousness.

Islam places great emphasis on purifying the heart because it is the heart that connects the human being to Allah. Without a pure heart, good deeds lose their sincerity, worship becomes hollow, and one becomes vulnerable to spiritual disease.

The Koran makes clear that on the Day of Judgement, what will ultimately matter is not status, wealth, or achievements, but the state of one’s heart.

“The day when neither wealth nor children will benefit [anyone], except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Koran 26:88–89)

This highlights that success in the Hereafter depends on a heart free from pride, envy, hypocrisy and attachment to sin.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reinforced this by saying: “Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

This shows that the state of the heart influences the entire person – their actions, speech and relationships.

Islam stresses heart purification because it is the gateway to sincerity (ikhlās) – a condition for the acceptance of all deeds. Without sincerity, acts of worship are empty performances; amounting to mere rituals. A pure heart leads to better character, stronger faith and a deeper connection to Allah. It enables a person to act with compassion, humility, patience and forgiveness.

One asks, how can we achieve a pure heart? Undoubtedly purifying the heart (tazkiyah) involves regular repentance, resisting the ego, avoiding spiritual diseases and cultivating noble qualities.

The Koran declares: “He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it.” (Koran 91:9–10)

This purification is a lifelong process requiring constant effort, self-awareness and prayer.

One of the most powerful ways to bring purity and light to the heart is through reflecting on the Koran.

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp … Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills.” (Koran 24:35)

When a believer seeks Allah through the Koran, their heart becomes illuminated by divine light, dispelling darkness and doubt.

The heart is purified by reading the Koran because the Koran is not just a book of guidance, it is a divine light that penetrates the soul and reorients the heart towards Allah.

The Koran softens and awakens the heart. When one reads and reflects on the Koran, it speaks directly to the heart. Allah says: “A book we have sent down to you, full of blessing, so that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” (Koran 38:29)

Reflection (tadabbur) awakens the heart, softens arrogance and brings humility that are key signs of purification.

The following verses describe the people whose hearts are drawn to that light:

“In houses [of worship] which Allah has ordered to be raised … are men whom neither trade nor sale distract from the remembrance of Allah …” (Koran 24:36–37)

Their hearts are purified through remembrance (dhikr), prayer and devotion.

The Koran is the conduit of that light. As you read it with sincerity, Allah places that nur in the heart, clearing away the darkness of doubt, sin and heedlessness, inspiring repentance and hope.

The Koran purifies by constantly reminding us of Allah’s mercy, the realities of the afterlife, and the value of sincere repentance. These reminders cleanse the heart of despair and arrogance, leading to humility and renewed connection to Allah, strengthening love and awe of Allah.

By learning about Allah’s attributes and the stories of past peoples, the heart grows in love, fear, and hope that certainly are emotions that elevate the soul and suppress the ego (nafs), leading to deeper sincerity and spiritual refinement.

The Prophet also said: “Verily, Allah does not look at your bodies or your appearances, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.” (Muslim)

In conclusion, Islam stresses the importance of a pure heart because it is the foundation of true faith and sincere worship. A purified heart reflects divine light, guides righteous actions and leads to salvation.

As Allah reminds us: “And whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul. And to Allah is the final return.” (Koran 35:18)

As always, Bermuda, we are reminded to pray for those in ill health and those experiencing hardships either through natural disasters or oppressive, corrupt and greedy governments.

Let us demand immediate and permanent ceasefire wherever bombs are blasting down on innocent, men, women and children. Remembering that silence is not always golden, but silence also condones.

Allah tells us: “Let there arise from you a group inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who will be successful.” (Koran 3:104)

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam